If you’re a California resident, your digital wallet just got a little thicker.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced That support for digital IDs will be rolling out in the coming weeks, meaning California residents can add their state IDs or California driver’s licenses to Apple Wallet and Google Wallet.
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Some Circle K locations will accept the mobile version of your driver’s license, as will some apps and TSA screenings at San Francisco International Airport, San Jose Mineta International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.
You still need to carry your physical license with you as required by law, but the digital version should make age verification much quicker.
A digital copy of a driver’s license isn’t exactly new territory for California, as it has its own California DMV Wallet An app that basically does the same thing (500,000 of the state’s 39 million residents have registered on this app). What’s new is that your license is in the same app that you might use, for example, to store a boarding pass at the airport and a payment card to buy a coffee once you’re inside or to verify age when buying alcohol and then a card to pay.
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If you’re concerned about security, the DMV has said it doesn’t permanently retain any of your personal data, other than your phone number and an encrypted photo of your license or ID. The DMV also says your mobile license usage isn’t tracked and no data will leave your device without your consent.
How to add your California driver’s license to Google Wallet
- From the Google Wallet home screen, tap the plus sign in the bottom right corner that says “Add to Wallet.”
- You’ll see a list of cards and passes that Wallet supports. Select “ID Card” and then “Get Started” on the next screen.
- Choose from the list of supported states. For now, only Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, and Maryland. When accessibility opens in California, you’ll be able to choose that and follow the steps to scan your license and record a short video to prove you’re a real person.
- Wallet will verify your information with the CA DMV, a process that may take a few minutes.
How to add your California driver’s license to Apple Wallet
- Open your Wallet app and tap the Add button.
- Select “Driver’s License or State ID” and choose your state.
- Choose whether you want to add your license to just your phone or to your phone and Apple Watch.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to scan the front and back of your license or ID.